No longer hampered by illness, Daniel Roberts looks to shine at UFC on Versus 4

Daniel Roberts (12-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) has been itching to return to the octagon since suffering his second professional loss this past April.

Prior to his fight against Claude Patrick at UFC 129, the Cesar Gracie-trained fighter had defeated three consecutive opponents and was riding a wave of momentum.

But an illness Roberts chose to mask heading into the contest left him weakened, and Patrick was able to grind out a decision victory. UFC on Versus 4, which takes place this Sunday at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, provides a now-healthy Roberts with his opportunity to return to the win column.

“I learned a lot from that,” Roberts recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). “That was probably one of the toughest things I ever did. I actually went to the hospital, and that may not be a big deal, but I never go to the hospital if I’m sick. So obviously, it was pretty bad. I can’t remember the last time I went to the hospital because I was sick.

“I learned a lot from that because it was just like a mental thing. It was really tough, and I got through it. He didn’t finish me, and I think going three rounds against a UFC fighter while you’re sick is pretty impressive.”

Instead of presenting an excuse for his loss post-fight, Roberts chose to take keep the situation quiet and work to make it a positive.

While Roberts has stepped in on short notice to face Attonito, he’s had eight weeks to get his health back at optimal performance and insists he’ll be prepared on fight night.

“This one’s on short notice,” Roberts said. “But I’m always training. When I’m in training camp, I usually start six weeks out or a really intensive five. I always train, and I did up my intensity, and I’ll be ready.”

In preparation for his return, Roberts honed the boxing aspect of his game with former WBA middleweight title challenger Allan Green.

“I’ve worked out with him plenty of times,” Roberts said. “He didn’t knock me down, so I guess that’s good. I learned a lot because professional boxers and regular MMA boxing is so much more advanced. It’s light-years ahead and it’s just crazy.”

On Sunday night, Roberts anticipates facing a well-rounded Attonito once both men step inside the octagon, but ultimately a victory is what “Ninja” is expecting.

“I think he’s a tough guy, well-rounded,” Roberts said. “He’s got a lot of power, and I’m not overlooking him. But like I said, I wouldn’t of taken the fight if I didn’t think I was going to win.

“It’s pretty much going to be the same for all my opponents. I think I have a huge advantage on the ground over the fighters that I fight. But of course I am working hard on my stand up.

MMAjunkie.com Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by Gorgeous George, MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Goze. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

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